Top 5 Dunkers in the Country
Words. Jason Jordan
Jahii Carson (Tucson Citizen)
It’s always tough to name the top players specific to a skill. Truth is, these days athleticism is as common as the ability to knock down three-pointers, and dunking is almost a prerequisite to getting playing time.
Still, there are a few players that stand out because of their exceptional leaping and finishing ability. Throw in creativity, flair, and simply having a sense of “the moment,” and it’s just like judging a dunk contest.
Here’s a look at the top five dunkers in the country, and since it’s seemingly the new fad not to know your vertical, perhaps to heighten the mystery, we’ve taken the liberty of projecting their vertical leaping ability:
5. LeBRYAN NASH, Lincoln (Dallas), 2011
You almost get the feeling that Nash is upset about something when he throws down monster jams — as if he’s trying to tear the rim off. The 6-6 forward attacks the rim with reckless abandon and is “that guy” who does the awkward mean-mug after he puts the opposition on a poster.
Projected Vertical: 38 inches
4. JAHII CARSON, Mesa (AZ), 2011
I was tempted to throw Carson in the top three. Why? It’s generous to list Carson at 5-10, yet he can do nearly every dunk that’s been done. Perhaps even more impressive is that on his dunks, Carson is noticeably higher than the rim, making it easier for him to be creative.
Projected vertical: 46 inches
3. NICK JOHNSON, Findlay Prep (NV), 2011
Watching Johnson throw down dunks, you’d almost swear he was a part of a flying trapeze act. He’s got the ability to hang in the air for long periods of time and that makes defenders think twice about braving the chance to jump and attempt blocking his dunk. Johnson jokingly nicknamed himself “Air-Zona” because of his jumping ability and his college commitment to the Wildcats.
Projected vertical: 45 inches
2. BISHOP DANIELS, Word of God (NC), 2011
Daniels has the type of hops that would make you swear he was playing a Slam Ball game, trampoline and all. I once saw Daniels win a dunk contest by sailing clear over the head of Hargrave Military Academy’s 6-5 guard P.J. Hairston, who didn’t duck even slightly. Daniels was over Hairston by at least four inches.
Projected vertical: 49 inches
1. DEUCE BELLO, Westchester (NC), 2011
It’s hard to top a man who’s done a between-the-legs dunk … in an actual game! Bello’s hops are on a different level of unreal, which makes sense when you realize he’s only 6-3 yet can play small forward because his vertical makes him play taller. And whether it looks like there’s a lane to the rim or not, teams are always on poster watch when Bello’s prowling the hardwood. He recently won the dunk contest at the Boost Mobile Elite 24 with a between-the-legs dunk off the backboard.
Projected Vertical: 50 inches
The Scoop — Buzz has been growing about Bello and Daniels answering the question of who’s the best dunker in the country. So much so that they had decided to settle it once and for all next weekend at the Elite 80 Showcase in Greensboro, N.C. Unfortunately, Daniels had a freak accident in workouts last week and broke his foot. The debate rages on, but for now, Bello is first in flight.
* Follow Jason on Twitter @JayJayESPNDime
* Email Jason at jasonj@dimemag.com
* Follow High School Hoop on Twitter @HighSchoolHoop
no way johnson isn’t the best dunker in the class! i saw that guy at a tournament and he’s the truth! he’s killin all these dudes
nate robinson out of college had a 44 inch vert so all of these are ridiculously exaggerated. These dudes all have bounce but the predictions aren’t serious. and deuce might be the best dunker but he doesn’t have the highest vert he’s just long.
I’ve seen Deuce in person be measured at 48 at a showcase camp LAST summer. So that kills that Chi… Kids jump higher these days.
its just that if he had a 50 inch vert he would be able to put his head 5 inches above the rim. maybe he does have that much bounce. i just haven’t seen it. don’t get me wrong he clearly can jump and is the best dunker in the class.
thank you finally someone gets it deuce is just long and i think you forgot someone off the list
i mean i think the starting five of mac irvin fires aau team are all good dunkers. especially sam thompson ive seen him go through the legs and do a 360
there’s no way these “projected” verts are close. i mean really..
Whoa, i dont know… you must haven’t seen these cats jump in person. i believe them projections. got to go watch them first man.